Honda Bikes

Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda Motors was born in Hamamatsu, Japan in 1906. His interest in bikes developed at his father's bicycle repair shop. Later on, he chose to do apprenticeship in a garage in Tokyo. His passion for bikes and racing finally culminated into the incorporation of Honda Motor Company in 1948. Mr. Honda headed the engineering wing of the company.

Honda bikes history

Honda launched its first bike in 1949, which had a 98cc and two stroke engine. Named as model "D" or "Dream," was actually a dream come true for Soichiro Honda. After this episode Honda never looked back. He launched a more powerful bike in 1953, named bike Benly J, which had a four stroke and 90cc engine. The Benly carried the brand name "Honda" only on engine cases. It became an instant hit with Japanese racers. Benly provided Honda a much needed boost, as it gave Honda enough time to focus on quality, power and performance. It continued for a long time.

By 1961, Honda became a leading name in both the 125cc and 250cc categories of bikes. Honda bikes continued their supremacy on the racing tracks those days finishing within top five slots every time. It was the time when the western media hailed it as the victory of the orient. By 1964, Honda was on top of the motorcycle market.

In 1986, it achieved major milestone, when it launched VFR750F �Interceptor�, the redesigned version of V-four �VF� series of bikes. It became the benchmark of bikes for the next ten years as it removed all cam drive and wear problems, making it the best all round bike. In 1987, it launched CBR600F �Hurricane� which was Honda�s first complete four-cylinder motorbike. By 2006, Honda had sold an astounding 50 million Super Cubs.

In 2007, Honda introduced air bag crash protection in bikes for the first time. In 2011, Honda introduced a small beginners' bike the CBR250R especially for the youngsters and novices. It has a 249cc single cylinder engine making it small yet most powerful in this segment. They are assembling it in their Thailand plant for global delivery.

Popular and latest bikes from Honda Motors

Honda Motors are the most versatile bike manufacturer of all times. They offer bikes for almost every customer segment and in all price ranges, affordable, mid range and expensive.

Some of the popular Honda bikes are:

• Gold Wing touring motorcycle
• Fury Chopper
• CBR600RR
• CBR1000RR
• VFR1200F sport touring motorcycle

In India Honda has launched many bikes including VFR, Dio, Activa, Aviator, Inceptor, Vision, Stunner, Dream Yuga, CBR, Unicorn and Shine.

Last Updated on 6/21/2012